UP Keeps Final Four Dream Alive with Sweep of Ateneo

The University of the Philippines revived its Final Four hopes with a dominant 25-20, 25-14, 25-23 sweep of Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Fighting Maroons bounced back from a previous loss to improve their record to 5-6, keeping them in sixth place, just one game behind the fifth-ranked Adamson Lady Falcons, who are at 6-5.

This victory was a crucial morale booster for UP, which now heads into its final three matches still very much in the race for a Final Four spot.

“We have to win everything,” said UP head coach Fabio Menta. “We can’t afford to slow down... We need to prove that we deserve it and give our best.”

UP will have a significant chance to climb the standings on Sunday when they take on Far Eastern University, another team vying for a Final Four berth, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. The Maroons, who last made the Final Four in Season 78, will also face Adamson on April 15 and University of Santo Tomas on April 19.

Niña Ytang was instrumental in the win, taking control in the closing moments of the third set. With Ateneo leading 21-19, Ytang scored five of the last six points for UP, including the match-winning ace, securing the sweep in one hour and 27 minutes.

Ateneo was still ahead 23-21 when Ytang leveled the game with back-to-back points, first with a well-placed push shot, followed by an ace. Middle blocker Bienne Bansil then sealed the win with a crucial block on Alex Montoro for match point at 24-23.

“Our focus is to win every game from here on out. Since this is my last year, I just want to enjoy the games and hopefully make it to the Final Four,” said Ytang, who finished with 18 points, including 13 attacks, three blocks, and two aces.

Jelai Gajero added 13 points, including six spikes and seven blocks, outdoing Ateneo’s six blocks. Irah Jaboneta, back from a minor injury, contributed 12 points and five digs.

Dona De Leon led Ateneo with seven points as the Blue Eagles dropped to a 1-10 record.

Ateneo will next face their traditional rivals, De La Salle University, on Saturday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.